Urban Armor Gear · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Urban Armor Gear Metropolis LT Galaxy S26 Ultra Case
Phone case likely lower concern, TPU inherently avoids PFAS use.
UAG's rugged phone case uses TPU and polycarbonate, neither typically treated with PFAS. No brand disclosure on PFAS; standard drop-protection polymers carry minimal forever chemical risk.
Shop Urban Armor Gear on Amazon →Material
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate composite
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This case uses a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and polycarbonate composite structure, a standard dual-layer design in phone protection. TPU is a flexible elastomer that absorbs impact; polycarbonate is a rigid transparent plastic that provides scratch resistance. Neither material is designed to contact food or skin for extended periods, and neither requires high-temperature processing during use, eliminating common leaching scenarios seen in cookware or food storage.
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Armor Gear does not publish material safety data sheets or third-party certifications for chemical content on their website or product pages. The brand has no known recalls related to toxic leaching or chemical contamination on public record. Their silence on PFAS and material sourcing is typical for phone accessory makers and does not indicate a known problem, but transparency is minimal compared to brands offering GreenGuard or similar certifications.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases rarely trigger safety concerns because they do not heat significantly, contact food, or release volatile organics under normal use. This TPU/polycarbonate blend is among the most common protective case materials on the market and has not been associated with systematic hazard reports. Cases made from natural rubber or silicone are marginally safer for prolonged skin contact, but performance trade-offs exist.
If you buy it
Avoid leaving the case in direct sunlight or a hot car for extended periods, as TPU can soften above 60-70°C and may off-gas trace volatiles if degraded. Do not use abrasive cleaners; warm soapy water is sufficient. Replace if the TPU layer shows visible cracking, peeling, or permanent discoloration, which indicates polymer breakdown. Store away from direct heat and ozone sources (e.g., near air purifiers with UV lamps).
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from TPU
TPU can release trace volatile compounds during initial manufacturing off-gassing, particularly if stored in warm conditions. This is typically minor and dissipates within days of opening, but sensitive individuals may notice a plastic smell. No systematic health reports exist for phone cases.
Polycarbonate degradation and microplastic shedding
Polycarbonate can degrade under UV light or extreme temperatures over years, potentially releasing microplastics or bisphenol A (BPA) precursors. This is a slow process in normal indoor use but accelerates if the case is left in hot cars or direct sunlight repeatedly.
Colorant and additive unknowns
Urban Armor Gear does not disclose dye or colorant chemistry for the Galaxy S26 Ultra case. TPU and polycarbonate can accept both organic and inorganic pigments; no recalls or alerts on record for this product or brand.
Skin irritation from additives or mold
TPU is inherently hypoallergenic and does not typically sensitize skin. Risk is minimal unless the case is stored damp, which could promote mold growth on the interior. Standard care (dry storage) eliminates this concern.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.